Leveraging Military Service to Build Successful Recruiting Careers

At Lucas Group, we proudly hire, train and develop military leaders into recruitment leaders. Our firm was founded more than forty years ago with the mission to help military professionals transition into rewarding civilian careers. Over time, we have successfully expanded our functional practice areas and geographic reach.

Today, we are home to the industry’s most effective executive recruitment teams, and the respect we hold for our military-based history remains evidenced throughout our company. Our teams include demonstrated professionals from all four branches of the U.S. Military, as well as the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Coast Guard Academy.

Our backgrounds are varied, our service crosses all branches and our life stories are full of diverse experiences. But together, we deliver on a common goal to provide excellence in recruiting and to help each other build lasting, successful careers.

Here are a few of our veteran stories.

Jim Lose – As an Intelligence Officer in the US Marine Corps, Jim’s multiple deployments took him across the globe, from the Middle East to the Asian-Pacific rim. His experiences are diverse; his knowledge well earned. During his years eight years with the Corps, he worked closely with numerous skilled Marines and developed a keen awareness and understanding of the aptitudes and professional potential his fellow servicemen and servicewomen display. Upon leaving active duty in 1999, Jim joined our Military Transition Division and began assisting others along their professional journey from military to business careers.

When he was unexpectedly recalled to active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he returned to military service knowing that he took with him the strong support and comradery of our entire organization. Highly respected, both in military and recruitment circles, Jim’s passion for helping veterans find rewarding, meaningful and long-term careers persisted unabated. He returned to Lucas Group to continue growing his career…and as a result, he has facilitated the careers of thousands of fellow veterans. His achievements have earned him top awards and national recognition, and today, he serves as Managing Partner in our DC office, consulting with hiring companies, guiding transitioning candidates and coaching other recruiters how to build their own successful careers.

David Lively – When Dave entered West Point after high school, his military career path was marked by thousands of other young men and women before him. After his graduation from the academy, he served as a Cavalry Officer in the US Army. He spent three tours in Iraq totaling 38 months, where, during his last deployment, he led a Cavalry Troop and was the top US Commander for a 1,800 sq km area of Iraq. His notable military path helped him develop valuable organizational capabilities and leadership skills that would propel him in his next career.

Leaving the service after more than seven years of active duty, Dave transitioned to a civilian position with a military-focused recruitment firm. There, he earned fast success. Building on his achievements and outstanding leadership capabilities, Dave wanted to leverage his experiences to serve more companies and more professionals. He joined Lucas Group as Managing Partner in our Human Resources Division, working with companies across many industries to find and place talented individuals in the field of HR. His effective management style and knowledgeable leadership have helped both his local Atlanta team and his national practice group deliver unparalleled service and exceed in their objectives.

Chris Kehl – Chris’ experiences, both in and out of the U.S. Military, provide him undeniable expertise as a corporate liaison in our Military Transition Division. Having built a successful civilian career as a project manager and trainer, Chris intimately understands – and knowledgeably illustrates – the opportunities and advantages of hiring veterans. As an Army solider, commanding officer then higher echelon staff leader he has consistently demonstrated a sincere and distinguished spirit of service. Chris’ spirit of service has propelled him in various direct and indirect leadership roles, from the Georgia Army National Guard in Iraq to currently in the Army Reserves.

Responsible for the leadership and success of approximately 2,100 soldiers and military leaders across the Southeast US, Chris’ enduring commitment to his fellow servicemen is genuinely supported and championed by his Lucas Group colleagues. We understand that work-life balance doesn’t look the same for everyone, and at Lucas Group, our Associates are empowered to pursue the challenges and opportunities that build them up, replenish their energies and deliver them personal fulfillment. As a company, we strive to serve Chris – and each of our valued Associates – with respect and gratitude. We are more than just a place to work. We are a family and a professional home.

Jessica Lalka – Jessica’s keen interest in human resources and professional talent recruitment emerged while serving as an Army Human Resources Officer. In that role, Jessica witnessed firsthand how skilled, capable leaders make a notable difference to an organization’s success. Committed to building a meaningful career, Jessica’s reflections on professional ethics in the army were published in The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, and throughout her five-year assignment, she built a well-respected military career.

After leaving the service, Jessica brought her passion for recruitment to our Lucas Group Accounting & Finance office in Denver. Joining the firm in 2013, her exceptional commitment to skills development quickly helped her learn a new functional specialty and geographic territory. She exceeded objectives and soon earned a promotion to Senior Executive Search Consultant. Honest, reliable and focused on results, Jessica leverages her military structure and training to deliver trusted guidance to companies and A&F professionals throughout the region. She serves as an outstanding example of professional excellence and is a respected role model across our firm.